The Shamo (in the US also known as "Japs")
is a Japanese gamefowl breed. The breed is divided into two
identical varieties 1) O-Shamo and 2) Chu Shamo. Variety nr 1 is
the heavyweight with a weight of 4 to 6 Kg (8.8 to 13 Lbs).
Variety nr 2 is the mediumweight. Its weight is limited to 4 Kg (8.8
Lbs) exemptions to height and weight. Very typical for the Shamo
is the very upright stand, the very prominent upward pointing
shoulders, strong thighs and a drooping tail almost parallel to
the backline. The ans vechthoen dat voorkomt in twee gewichts-klassen
1) Chu Shamo tot 4 Kg max. Another related breed similar in type
and breeding points is the lightweight Yakido with 2,6 Kg (5,7
Lbs). Bird : Mrs.Julia Keeling (Man)

Ko Shamo

A very popular Japanese bantam gamefowl breed.
Weight max.1 Kg (2.2 Lbs). Originally kept in Japan in small pens
(however not advised). Easy to breed, good layers, easy to grow
and low feed costs. Also very good for kids to start with as they
are tame and easy to handle. A good alternative to the big
gamefowl breeds. Breed features: very upright stand, prominent
shoulders, short -shrimp- tail, pearl eyes, very fine scales. The
breed is known for its open or splitted wings (a typical breed
feature in Japan). Photo : German Ko Shamo Club

Yamato-gunkei

The
Yamato (full name = Yamato-gunkei) is a small but bully-looking
Japanese gamefowl breed with some very special and typical breed
features: a large head with prominent eyebrows, short beak,
strawberry or triple peacomb, enormous dewlap, earlobes and
wattles, prominent upwards pointing shoulders and a short -shrimp-
tail. This breed is not easy to keep as it is prone to vitality
prombles (very close inbreeding). Starters should try to get
birds from various bloodlines. They also should look for males
and females both showing the typical head features ! Like the Ko
Shamo the breed has also open or splitted wings. Bird : Mr.Willy
Coppens (Belgium)

Koeyoshi

A
very interesting -longcrower- breed from Japan. Created in the 18th
century from crossing Shamo gamefowl with the Tomaru longcrower.
Result a longcrower with a very deep -foghorn- like sound.
Despite its impressive appearance the breed is prone to vitality
problems (close inbreeding). Its a very gentle breed and easy to
handle. Photo : Internet (Japanese breeder unknown)

Tuzo & Nankin Shamo

Standarized
in Europe but still has the status of a mystery breed as its
origin (Indian -Asil- roots ?) is not very clear. In Japan
standarized as "Nankin Shamo". Weight 1.8 Kg (4 Lbs).
The breed is very popular in Europe. Note: in 1965 imported into
Europe (Holland). According Mr.Schmudde (USA) the Tuzo and Nankin-Shamo
are two different breeds. More research on this topic is
necesarry. Breed features : the black colored spurs. The breed is
found in black, blackred and white colour. Remark: easy to keep
but already very aggresive at very young age ! Bird left : Mr.Willy
Kammerling (Germany) Bird right : Mr.Horst schmudde (USA)

Satsumadori

This
longtailed Japanese gamefowl breed comes from the southern island
Kyushu (Satsuma region). Its the only Japanese gamefowl breed
being bred for the fight with a single large steel. All others
Japanese breeds are fought in natural spurs. Typical breed
feature is the long well developed bushy tail. Satsumadori are
very alert hot-tempered birds. The breed is very popular in
Germany. Seen in various colours. Weight 2.3 to 3 Kg ( 5 to 6.6
Lbs). Photo : Internet (Japanese breeder unknown)

Chibi

This
is the bantam variety of the Yamato-gunkei. Weight is less then a
kilo (2.2 Lbs). This breed is quite rare. Only a few are found in
Belgium and Germany. Breed features (see the Yamato gunkei
description). Remark: in some European countries not recognized
as a breed but seen as some sort of intermediar variety of the Ko
Shamo.However standarized in its homeland Japan ! Bird : Mr.Dirk
henken (Germany)

Kinpa

The
Kinpa was created end of the 19th century in Northern Japan (Akita
region). Its a bantam-sized breed showing both Asil and Yamato-features.
Weight less than a kilo (2.2 Lbs). Standarized in Japan but
overthere rare too. Only a few specimins have been imported into
Europe (Belgium & United Kingdom). Seen in various colours (including
henny-feathered variety). Photo : Shichiro Koyama (Japan)

Kurekodori

The
Kurekodori is an extremely rare breed and a relative of the
Satsumadori. It was first bred in the Kumamoto province (Kyushu /
Southern Japan) around 1700. The breed is declared a Natural
Monument in 1965. Weight : max.2,3 Kg (5 Lbs). Never imported
into Europe or elswhere. (2.2 Lbs). Photo : Japanese publication
(ISBN 4-938396-08-04)

Yakido

The
Yakido is a lightweight member of the Shamo family. With a breed
of max.2.6 Kg (5.7 Lbs) it was too light to damage the bigger
Shamo's and therfor it was used by Japanese cockers as a sparring
partner for his bigger counterparts. The Yakido has been imported
into Europe (Belgium) in the beginning of the 1980's. It has been
standarized for exhibition purposes and is bred in some other
European countries too. The Yakido is bred in its homeland Japan
in only one specifi colour which is black. Specific features :
yellow legs, pearl eye, triple peacomb. Bird : Dr.Adelmar Coimbra-
Filho (Brazil)